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9.1
9.1.1

The GSM Network

Architecture of the GSM Network

The GSM technical specifications define the different entities that form the GSM network by defining their functions and interface requirements. The GSM network can be divided into four main parts: The architecture of the GSM network is presented in figure 1.

G OMC B
BSS

VLR D C HLR F

Other MSCs VLRs

A
BSC MSC E Other MSCs Other Networks

MS Un

BTS

AUC

Abis

EIR

Fig : 1
9.1.1.1 Mobile Station

Architecture of the GSM network

A Mobile Station consists of two main elements: 9.1.1.1.1 The Terminal There are different types of terminals distinguished principally by their power and application: The `fixed' terminals are the ones installed in cars. Their maximum allowed output power is 20 W. The GSM portable terminals can also be installed in vehicles. Their maximum allowed output power is 8W. The handheld terminals have experienced the biggest success thanks to the weight and volume, which are continuously decreasing. These terminals can emit up to 2 1

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Version 1 Revision 0 MSC W. The evolution of technologies allows decreasing the maximum allowed power to 0.8 W. 9.1.1.1.2 The SIM The SIM is a smart card that identifies the terminal. By inserting the SIM card into the terminal, the user can have access to all the subscribed services. Without the SIM card, the terminal is not operational. The SIM card is protected by a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). In order to identify the subscriber to the system, the SIM card contains some parameters of the user such as its International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). Another advantage of the SIM card is the mobility of the users. In fact, the only element that personalizes a terminal is the SIM card. Therefore, the user can have access to its subscribed services in any terminal using its SIM card. 9.1.1.2 The Network and Switching Subsystem Its main role is to manage the communications between the mobile users and other users, such as mobile users, ISDN users, fixed telephony users, etc. It also includes data bases needed in order to store information about the subscribers and to manage their mobility. The different components of the NSS are described below. 9.1.1.2.1 The Mobile services Switching Center (MSC) It is the central component of the NSS. The MSC performs the switching functions of the network. It also provides connection to other networks. 9.1.1.2.2 The Gateway Mobile services Switching Center (GMSC) A gateway is a node interconnecting two networks. The GMSC is the interface between the mobile cellular network and the PSTN. It is in charge of routing calls from the fixed network towards a GSM user. The GMSC is often implemented in the same machines as the MSC. 9.1.1.2.3 Home Location Register (HLR) The HLR is considered as a very important database that stores information of the subscribers belonging to the covering area of a MSC. It also stores the current location of these subscribers and the services to which they have access. The location of the subscriber corresponds to the SS7 address of the Visitor Location Register (VLR) associated to the terminal. 9.1.1.2.4 Visitor Location Register (VLR) The VLR contains information from a subscriber's HLR necessary in order to provide the subscribed services to visiting users. When a subscriber enters the covering area of a new MSC, the VLR associated to this MSC will request information about the new subscriber to its corresponding HLR. The VLR will then have enough information in order to assure the BRBRAITT, Jabalpur. Issued in April-2008 2

Version 1 Revision 0 MSC subscribed services without needing to ask the HLR each time a communication is established. The VLR is always implemented together with a MSC; so the area under control of the MSC is also the area under control of the VLR. 9.1.1.2.5 The Authentication Center (AuC) The AuC register is used for security purposes. It provides the parameters needed for authentication and encryption functions. These parameters help to verify the user's identity. 9.1.1.2.6 The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) The EIR is also used for security purposes. It is a register containing information about the mobile equipments. More particularly, it contains a list of all valid terminals. A terminal is identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). The EIR allows then to forbid calls from stolen or unauthorized terminals (e.g., a terminal which does not respect the specifications concerning the output RF power). 9.1.1.2.7 The GSM Inter-working Unit (GIWU) The GIWU corresponds to an interface to various networks for data communications. During these communications, the transmission of speech and data can be alternated. 9.1.1.3 The Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS) The OSS is connected to the different components of the NSS and to the BSC, in order to control and monitor the GSM system. It is also in charge of controlling the traffic load of the BSS. However, the increasing number of base stations, due to the development of cellular radio networks, has provoked that some of the maintenance tasks are transferred to the BTS. This transfer decreases considerably the costs of the maintenance of the system.

9.1.2

The geographical areas of the GSM network

The figure 2 presents the different areas that form a GSM network.

Fig : 2

GSM network areas

As it has already been explained a cell, identified by its Cell Global Identity number (CGI), corresponds to the radio coverage of a base transceiver station. A Location Area (LA), BRBRAITT, Jabalpur. Issued in April-2008 3

Version 1 Revision 0 MSC identified by its Location Area Identity (LAI) number, is a group of cells served by a single MSC/VLR. A group of location areas under the control of the same MSC/VLR defines the MSC/VLR area. A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) is the area served by one network operator. 9.1.2.1 Mobile-services Switching Center (MSC) Mobile-services Switching Center (MSC) performs the switching functions for all mobile stations located in the geographic area covered by its assigned BSSs. Functions performed include interfacing with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as well as with the other MSCs and other system entities, such as the HLR, in the PLMN. Functions of the MSC include: Call handling that copes with mobile nature of subscribers (e.g., paging) Management of required logical radio-link channel during calls Management of MSC-BSS signalling protocol Handling location registration and ensuring interworking between Mobile Station and VLR Control of inter-BSS and inter-MSC handovers Acting as a gateway MSC to interrogate the HLR Exchange of signalling information with other system entities Standard functions of a local exchange switch in the fixed network (example: charging)

9.1.2.1.1 Home Location Register (HLR) The Home Location Register (HLR) contains the identities of mobile subscribers (called International Mobile Subscriber Identities or IMSIs), their service parameters, and their location information. In summary, the HLR contains: Identity of mobile subscriber ISDN directory number of mobile station Subscription information on teleservices and bearer services Service restrictions (if any) Supplementary services Location information for call routing

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Version 1 Revision 0 9.1.2.1.2 Visitor Location Register (VLR)

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The Visitor Location Register (VLR) contains the subscriber parameters and location information for all mobile subscribers currently located in the geographical area (i.e., cells) controlled by that VLR. In summary, the VLR contains: Identity of mobile subscriber Any temporary mobile subscriber identity ISDN directory number of mobile A directory number to route calls to a roaming station Location area where the mobile station is registered Copy of (part of) the subscriber data from the HLR

9.1.2.1.3 Equipment Identity Register (EIR) The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is accessed during the equipment validation procedure when a mobile station accesses the system. It contains the identity of mobile station equipment (called International Mobile Station Equipment Identity or IMEI) which may be valid, suspect, or known to be fraudulent. This contains: White or Valid list - List of valid MS equipment identities Grey or Monitored list - List of suspected mobiles under observation Black or prohibited list - List of mobiles for which service is barred.

9.1.2.1.4 Authentication Center (AUC) The Authentication Center (AUC): Contains subscriber authentication data called Authentication Keys (Ki) Generates security related parameters needed to authorize service using Ki Generates unique data pattern called a Cipher Key (Kc) needed for encrypting user speech and data 9.1.2.2 Other Network Elements Other optional network elements that the MSC can interface include: Billing Center: BRBRAITT, Jabalpur. Issued in April-2008 5

Version 1 Revision 0 MSC Each MSC writes call accounting records to local disk memory. The Billing Center periodically polls the disk records of each MSC to collect the billing data for the PLMN. Service Center: The Service Center interfaces with the MSCs to provide special services, such as the Short Message Service (SMS), to mobile subscribers in the PLMN. The Billing Center and Service Center are not a basic part of the GSM system.

9.1.3

OPEN INTERFACES

Standard open interfaces between entities are used in GSM. These are labeled: A, A bis, B, C, D, E, F, G, and Um (or air interface).

9.2

Conclusion

The aim of this paper was to give an overview of the GSM system and not to provide a complete and exhaustive guide. As it is shown in this chapter, GSM is a very complex standard. It can be considered as the first serious attempt to fulfill the requirements for a universal personal communication system. GSM is then used as a basis for the development of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS).

BRBRAITT, Jabalpur. Issued in April-2008